Avant South | Speakers

2025 Speakers

Avant South brings together visionaries and changemakers who are shaping the future of innovation. From bold startup founders to powerhouse corporate leaders, our speakers don’t just talk innovation—they live it.

Wesley Almeida

Chief Technology Officer

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta
International Airport

Wesley Almeida

Chief Technology Officer

Wesley Almeida serves as Chief Technology Officer for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where he leads the digital backbone of the world’s busiest airport. He oversees enterprise systems, cybersecurity, and IT innovation that keep more than 100 million passengers moving safely and efficiently every year. Prior to joining ATL, Wesley spent seven years as a Lead Enterprise Systems Engineer at MITRE, delivering strategic solutions and fostering innovation across mission-critical environments. Earlier in his career, he advanced agile practices and developed enterprise platforms supporting U.S. Air Force operations. With a blend of technical expertise and human-centered leadership, Wesley is focused on modernizing airport operations, enhancing resilience, and building smarter travel experiences for the future of global aviation.

Solomon Caviness

Commissioner

ATLDOT

Solomon Caviness

Commissioner

Solomon Caviness is commissioner of the Atlanta Department of Transportation, where he leads more than 150 public servants responsible for 95,000 street signs, 1,100 traffic signals, 1,400 miles of sidewalks, 155 bridges, and 4,500 lane miles across the city. An Atlanta native with more than 20 years of experience, Caviness has worked with federal, state, and local governments to deliver innovative, multimodal infrastructure programs. Previously, he directed the Middlesex County Department of Transportation in New Jersey, where he established the state’s first Vision Zero county. He serves on the board of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America.

Pranjal Chatterjee

Electrical Lead

GT Solar Racing

Pranjal Chatterjee

Electrical Lead

Pranjal Chatterjee is a third-year electrical engineering major with minors in computer science and physics from San Jose, California. As electrical lead for Georgia Tech Solar Racing, Chatterjee oversees the design and implementation of all electrical systems for the team’s solar cars, focusing on reliability and efficiency in design and manufacturing. Outside of Solar Racing, he conducts undergraduate research in magnetically controlled micro-robotics and enjoys playing the trombone.

Jennifer Chirico

Associate Vice President for Sustainability

Georgia Tech

Jennifer Chirico

Associate Vice President for Sustainability

Chirico is the inaugural associate vice president of Sustainability at Georgia Tech, bringing more than 25 years of experience driving efficiency and innovation. A double Yellow Jacket, she holds a B.S. and Ph.D. from Georgia Tech, as well as a Master of Public Health. She is LEED GA accredited and certified in the Global Reporting Initiative, WaterSense, TRUE, NABCEP, and Home Energy Survey Professional.
Before returning to Tech, Chirico served as executive director of the University of Hawaii system’s first sustainability institute and founded a Certified B-Corp consulting firm recognized as Hawaii’s top sustainability consultancy. She also worked as a senior consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton and as an investment consultant. Chirico has delivered keynote addresses at five international conferences and published a book and multiple chapters on sustainability, air quality, and systems thinking.

Tijen Cirig

Executive, Airports, Vertiports & Transportation

Honeywell

Tijen Cirig

Executive, Airports, Vertiports & Transportation

Tijen Cirig is a global technology and business leader with 25 years of experience driving transformation and growth across aviation, building automation, and telecommunications. At Honeywell, she led the global airports and transportation vertical, delivering growth through innovation in energy and operational efficiency, safety, and security solutions. Previously, she spent 15 years at SITA, where she advanced aviation product portfolios in biometrics, passenger and baggage processing, and airport operations. Tijen holds a degree in Electrical-Electronics Engineering, a postgraduate degree in Advanced Computer Systems Development, and she is an alumna of Harvard Business School.

Lindsay deOliviera

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Soothe Beginnings

Lindsay deOliviera

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Lindsay deOliveira is the founder and CEO of Soothe Beginnings, where she invented and manufactures the first-of-its-kind pacifier in the U.S. She serves on ASTM and ISO subcommittees for pacifier safety and regulation, advancing international standards and American-made innovation. Her company is part of the ATDC Accelerate program and an award-winning startup, with Lindsay recognized as a winner on a national entrepreneur TV show.

Julian Fitzgerald

Co-Founder

The Cxmmunity Foundation

Julian Fitzgerald

Co-Founder

Bio coming soon!

Marc Gorlin

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Roadie, a UPS Company

Marc Gorlin

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Marc Gorlin is the founder and CEO of Roadie, a UPS company. Roadie is a logistics management and crowdsourced delivery platform that provides businesses with a faster, cheaper, and more scalable delivery solution. Before launching Roadie, Gorlin co-founded Kabbage Inc., VerticalOne Corporation, and Pretty Good Privacy. He received the 2021 EY Entrepreneur of the Year National Award, the 2022 John Imlay Leadership Award, and is a 2024 Georgia Technology Hall of Fame inductee.

Justin Honaman

Head, Worldwide Retail, Restaurants, and Consumer Goods Business Development

Amazon Web Services

Justin Honaman

Head, Worldwide Retail, Restaurants, and Consumer Goods Business Development

Justin Honaman leads the worldwide Retail, Restaurants, and Consumer Goods industry strategy and business development team at Amazon Web Services (AWS). His team’s focus is on helping global customers understand, navigate, and leverage Amazon’s supply chain, advertising, e-commerce, physical store, artificial intelligence, digital core, and customer experience capabilities. Honaman has spent the majority of his career in Consumer Goods and Retail, working on both the customer side (Coca-Cola, Georgia Pacific) and the technology/consulting side (Accenture, EY). In the industry and community, Honaman serves on the board for the Georgia Technology Authority, Consumer Goods Technology, Western Michigan Food Marketing, and Leadership Atlanta. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Allie Kelly

Executive Director

The Ray

Allie Kelly

Executive Director

Allie Kelly is the executive director of The Ray, a nonprofit that operates the nation’s only publicly accessible, living laboratory for transportation innovation. Since 2015, she has led efforts to implement world-leading demonstrations — from the first solar road in the U.S. to the first drive-through tire safety station. A frequent keynote speaker at major transportation, technology, and environmental conferences, Kelly has been recognized with the Atlanta Technology Professionals Impact Award and named one of Engineering Georgia’s “100 Women to Know.” A Georgia native, she previously worked in public policy and founded the consumer advocacy group Georgia Watch.

Christopher Lee

Vice President of Commercial

Yzer Next

Christopher Lee

Vice President of Commercial

Christopher Lee is vice president of Commercial at Yzer Next, where he leads go-to-market strategy and oversees account management, business development, marketing, and solutions for more than $250 million in annual revenue. A Six Sigma Black Belt, he has held leadership roles at FLEXE and Warehouse Anywhere, driving revenue growth and strategic partnerships. Lee was part of the founding team of Integrated Logistics Solutions, later acquired by Life Storage. He holds a Bachelor of Science in economics from Duke University and brings deep expertise in scaling logistics and technology-driven operations.

Breon Martin

Director of Communications

Georgia Tech

Breon Martin

Director of Communications

Breon Martin is a communications and marketing strategist who specializes in advancing artificial intelligence research and education initiatives. At Georgia Tech, Martin is the communications director for Tech AI, the university’s AI hub, as well as several National Science Foundation-backed AI institutes under its umbrella, including AI-ALOE, AI4OPT and AI CARING. In these roles, Martin has led national campaigns highlighting breakthroughs in generative AI for adult learning, showcased advances in optimization that are transforming clean energy and supply chains, and elevated research in human-centered AI designed to support aging populations. Martin has played a key role in forging strategic partnerships between Georgia Tech and industry leaders, championing initiatives that connect cutting-edge AI research with real-world impact in education, industry and society. Before joining Georgia Tech, Martin built a prominent career spanning more than 10 years as an Emmy Award-winning journalist, crafting powerful stories that informed, inspired and connected people across major broadcast markets. This storytelling expertise continues to shape Martin’s work today. It helps him tell compelling narratives that amplify AI innovations. His work expands public understanding and shapes the national conversation on the future of AI.

Mike Malakhov

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Carpool Logistics

Mike Malakhov

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Mike Malakhov is the founder and CEO of Carpool Logistics, a technology-enabled platform transforming vehicle transport into a strategic advantage for dealers, auctions, original equipment manufacturers, and fleets. With nearly two decades in logistics, his expertise includes building scalable logistics solutions and integrating technology to enhance operational efficiency. Malakhov holds a Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain and Finance from Georgia Southern University and an MBA from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.

Rhett Mayor

Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering

Georgia Tech

Rhett Mayor

Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering

J. Rhett Mayor is an associate professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech and secretary of the faculty. A recognized expert in thermal sciences, electromechanical machine design, and micromanufacturing, he currently serves as interim associate dean for Faculty and Graduate Student Affairs in the College of Lifetime Learning. In this role, he supports faculty and graduate students, leads recruitment and tenure processes, and advises on governance and policy. Mayor joined Georgia Tech in 2006 after serving as president and CEO of Powerix Technologies. He is also founder and president of DHX Electric Machines Inc.

Neha Negandhi

Public Speaking Coach, Founder

Storyteller's Table

Neha Negandhi

Public Speaking Coach, Founder

Neha Negandhi is a public speaking coach specializing in brand storytelling. Her business, Storytellers Table, helps entrepreneurs and business leaders grow in brand storytelling and harness AI for communication. A TEDx Speaker with over 10 years of stage experience, Neghandhi has interviewed hundreds of people, uncovering stories that resonate. As a trained journalist and former WMLB Atlanta radio host, she brings a sharp eye for brand storytelling. Her marketing expertise spans Fortune 100 companies, including T-Mobile, Starbucks and Turner Broadcasting.

Billy Nolen

Chief Regulatory Affairs Officer

Archer Aviation

Billy Nolen

Chief Regulatory Affairs Officer

Billy Nolen is chief regulatory affairs officer at Archer Aviation, a leading air mobility company developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. He previously served as acting administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, where he led certification reforms and advanced airport safety systems. Nolen’s career spans more than 30 years in aviation, including leadership roles at American Airlines, Airlines for America, Qantas Group, and WestJet. A former U.S. Army pilot and safety officer, he holds a bachelor’s degree in aviation management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and advanced safety certifications from several institutions.

John Orr

Chief Operating Officer

Norfolk Southern

John Orr

Chief Operating Officer

Appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2024, Orr leads Norfolk Southern’s railway operations, including safety, transportation, network planning and operations, engineering, and equipment maintenance. Orr is helping to accelerate the execution of the company’s balanced strategy to deliver safe and reliable service, continuous productivity improvements, and smart growth.

Srinivas Peeta

Frederick R. Dickerson Chair & Professor

Georgia Tech

Srinivas Peeta

Frederick R. Dickerson Chair & Professor

Srinivas Peeta is the Frederick R. Dickerson Chair in Transportation Systems in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Georgia Tech, where he has advanced research on the future of mobility and infrastructure since 2018. His work explores how transportation systems adapt to new technologies, human behavior, and complex infrastructure challenges. Peeta has led federally funded research centers focused on connected and automated transportation and disaster response, and developed real-time traffic tools now used by the U.S. Department of Transportation. An internationally recognized expert, he has published widely and advised government, industry, and research organizations worldwide.

Julie Pierre

Community & Ecosystem Development

Collaborative Real Estate

Julie Pierre

Community & Ecosystem Development

Julie is a results-driven leader with 10+ years in community development, growth strategy, and engagement. In her current role, she leads community and ecosystem development for the new Biltmore Innovation Center in Tech Square. Previously, Julie led community at Atlanta Tech Village, the nation’s 4th largest startup hub, where she drove expansion, retention, and inclusive growth. Known for her operational expertise and passion for building thriving communities. Also known for her love of coffee and audiobooks.

Eric Phillips

Sr. Vice President and Chief Digital Officer

Delta Air lines

Eric Phillips

Sr. Vice President and Chief Digital Officer

Eric Phillips is senior vice president (SVP) and chief digital officer at Delta Air Lines, leading teams that deliver personalized, seamless, and premium digital experiences. In his more than 25 years at Delta, he has held numerous positions across the business, including corporate strategy, business development, network planning, and financial planning. He previously oversaw all airport customer service activities for Delta as SVP of Airport Customer Service, Cargo Operations, Ground Support Equipment, and Global Clean; before that, he served as SVP, Pricing and Revenue Management. He holds a B.A. from Carroll College and an MBA from Notre Dame. 

Alex Rhodeen

Supply Chain Catalyst

ATDC

Alex Rhodeen

Supply Chain Catalyst

2X co-founder and US Army Veteran. Kanga was part of ATDC until its acquisition by GEODIS. Currently working with startups across Georgia, the Southeast, and LATAM as a coach, connector, and ecosystem builder.

Jack Semrau

Atlanta Venture Lead

Cox Enterprises

Jack Semrau

Atlanta Venture Lead

Jack Semrau is an ecosystem leader and investor passionate about the intersection of deep tech, sustainability, and critical infrastructure. He leads the Atlanta Venture Ecosystem at Cox Enterprises and invests in growth-stage startups through Socium Ventures. He focuses on ensuring Atlanta realizes its potential to be a major tech hub. A former Delta Air Lines innovation leader, Semrau was responsible for tech scouting and venture investments. He holds an MBA from Emory University and a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Tech.

J. Marshall Shepherd

Georgia Athletic Assoc. Distinguished Professor

University of Georgia

J. Marshall Shepherd

Georgia Athletic Assoc. Distinguished Professor

J. Marshall Shepherd is a leading international expert in weather and climate and the Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Georgia. He directs UGA’s Atmospheric Sciences Program and is associate director for climate and outreach at the Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems. A former president of the American Meteorological Society, Shepherd was the first UGA faculty member elected to the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Arts and Sciences in the same year. He also hosts Weather Geeks on The Weather Channel and is a frequent contributor to major media outlets.

Chris Smith

Chief Executive Officer

Slip Robotics

Chris Smith

Chief Executive Officer

Chris Smith is the CEO and co-founder of Slip Robotics, a fast-growing startup deploying robots that load and unload trucks in less than five minutes. Smith has over a decade of experience in robotics and industrial engineering, including factory simulation and material flow optimization at Tesla and Cummins. Smith also holds an MBA and a master’s in manufacturing systems from Brigham Young University. 

Anna Stenport

Dean, Franklin College of Liberal Arts

University of Georgia

Anna Stenport

Dean, Franklin College of Liberal Arts

Anna Stenport is the dean of the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Georgia (UGA). She is also a UGA Foundation Professor in Arts and Sciences, a professor of communication studies, and holds an appointment in the Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education. An internationally recognized scholar of comparative media and cultural studies with a focus on the Arctic and Nordic regions, Stenport has published 11 books and nearly 70 articles and chapters. She previously held positions at Rochester Institute of Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Stanford University, the University of California, Berkeley, and a number of international institutions before joining UGA. She is dedicated to advancing the public good through partnerships that foster community, collaboration, and creativity and brings extensive experience in higher education leadership.

Joel Stenson

Sr. Vice President of Operations Technology

UPS

Joel Stenson

Sr. Vice President of Operations Technology

Joel Stenson is senior vice president of Global Operations Technology, Enterprise Data & Analytics, and Generative AI at UPS. With more than 30 years of experience, he leads enterprise software and hardware development, data and analytics, and technology strategies across UPS’ worldwide network. He previously served as president of Global Buildings and Systems Engineering, overseeing facility design, construction, and environmental compliance.
A Georgia Tech electrical engineering graduate and licensed professional engineer, Stenson also serves on Tech’s College of Electrical and Computer Engineering Advisory Board. He is active in advancing opportunities for underrepresented students through NACME and the MARCH Foundation.

Pascal Van Hentenryck

A. Russell Chandler III Chair; Director, AI Hub

Georgia Tech

Pascal Van Hentenryck

A. Russell Chandler III Chair; Director, AI Hub

Pascal Van Hentenryck is the A. Russell Chandler III Chair and professor in Georgia Tech’s H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering. He also directs Georgia Tech’s AI Hub and leads the NSF Artificial Intelligence Institute for Advances in Optimization (AI4OPT). An internationally recognized leader in artificial intelligence, data science, and operations research, his research focuses on algorithms for mobility, energy systems, resilience, and privacy. Previously, he taught at Brown University, led an optimization research group in Australia, and held a chaired appointment at the University of Michigan.

Matt Walsh

Policy & Government Affairs

Waymo

Matt Walsh

Policy & Government Affairs

Matt is responsible for leading Waymo’s state and local government affairs work across the eastern US. Matt joined Waymo after serving as Government Relations Lead for the Northeast at Accenture where he was responsible for managing Accenture’s regulatory objectives at the state and local level as well as supporting their health & public service sales division. Previously, Matt served as VP at CMW Strategies, a lobbying firm based in New York, where he was responsible for leading legislative and regulatory lobbying efforts across the firm focusing on a range of clientele.

Brian Work

President

CloneOps.ai

Brian Work

President

Brian Work is a visionary technology executive with over 25 years of experience driving digital transformation across logistics and supply chain leaders. As President of CloneOps.ai, he is guiding the company’s growth with AI-driven communication tools that help businesses scale smarter and serve better. Previously, Brian held senior roles including CTO at Transportation Insight Holding Company and Coyote Logistics (a UPS company), and VP of IT for UPS Freight, earning a reputation for bold results at scale.

and more!

Stay tuned - more speaker
announcements coming soon!

2025 Speakers

Avant South brings together visionaries and changemakers who are shaping the future of innovation. From bold startup founders to powerhouse corporate leaders, our speakers don’t just talk innovation—they live it.

Wesley Almeida

Solomon Caviness

Pranjal Chatterjee

Jennifer Chirico

Tijen Cirig

Lindsay deOliviera

Julian Fitzgerald

Marc Gorlin

Justin Honaman

Allie Kelly

Christopher Lee

Breon Martin

Mike Malakhov

Rhett Mayor

Neha Negandhi

Billy Nolen

John Orr

Srinivas Peeta

Julie Pierre

Eric Phillips

Alex Rhodeen

Jack Semrau

J. Marshall Shepherd

Chris Smith

Anna Stenport

Joel Stenson

Pascal Van Hentenryck

Matt Walsh

Brian Work

and more!

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